Even though the official start of summer is a couple weeks off, we're already completely in the spirit. Outdoor furniture season has been rocking and rolling in the store for weeks now, and the weather outside is a near-constant reminder of the long, balmy summer that stretches out before us. Fittingly, we created another summery setting for this week, with jovial colors set against a stoney black table. The contrast is pleasant, and to me evokes a childhood memory of jumping from black asphalt into a cool pool. Nothing more satisfying than that!

Each place setting started with a Chilewich Oval Mini Basketweave Placemat in Dill. We chose oval-shaped placemats to better fit the round table. Atop the placemats sat a duo of Alessi dinnerware pieces, including the Alessi Colombina Flat Dinner Plate and the Alessi Colombina Soup Plate.

Napkins came from the Libeco Home Polylin Blend Collection, in the color Turchese.

For the flatware, we used a favorite of mine, the David Mellor Pride Flatware. It is highly polished, giving off a stunning shine, and I think it adds a lot to any table setting, whether simple or elaborate.

The matching Wine Glass and Water Tumbler also came from the Alessi Colombina Dinnerware Collection.

As practical table accents, we added the Alessi Colombina Oil and Vinegar Set in Black...

... and these adorable Alessi Salt and Pepper Castors.

As a less practical but more artistic centerpiece, we used this Alessi Intanto Pochi Fiori Vase with some bright pink flowers, for a pop of color.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?